6246526 Resolution 21-615, Sense of the Council in Support of Late Night Metrorail Service Hours Emergency Resolution of 2016

A RESOLUTION

 

21-615

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

October 11, 2016

 

To declare, on an emergency basis, the sense of the Council in support of maintaining late-night service hours on Metrorail.

 

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Sense of the Council in Support of Late Night Metrorail Service Hours Emergency Resolution of 2016”.

 

Sec. 2. The Council finds that:

     (1) The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metrorail system is a critical transportation network that connects the entire national capital region. 

      (2)  The region is highly dependent on the hospitality and service industries for employment, attracting new residents and visitors, and tax revenue.

      (3) Workers, many of whom work late-night hours, rely on the Metrorail system to connect them with their places of employment and their homes.

     (4)  Other major cities, such as London, are moving towards longer and later service hours to ensure late-night connections between communities and employment centers.

      (5) The many people, visitors and residents alike, who participate in the District’s vibrant night life, such as patrons of hotels, restaurants, and other establishments that stay open late, also rely on late-night service hours.

     (6) Transit continues to be a safer alternative to driving, particularly at night when drivers are fatigued and the risk of drunk driving is greatest.

                                                                                    

            Sec. 3.  It is the sense of the Council that the Metrorail system should continue to operate until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and until midnight on Sundays. While we recognize the need for additional maintenance time to restore the Metrorail system, the Council believes that late night service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays is critical to the safe transportation of residents of, and visitors to, the District, Maryland, and Virginia.

 

            Sec. 4. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution, upon its adoption, to the Mayor and to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

 

            Sec. 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately.